What to Do After a Car Accident in Abilene, TX

TrustedProsTX — West Texas Legal Resources

Being in a car accident is disorienting. Knowing exactly what steps to take in the minutes, hours, and days afterward can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation if someone else was at fault.

At the Scene: Immediate Steps

1. Check for injuries. Check yourself, your passengers, and others involved. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
2. Move to safety if possible. If the vehicles are drivable and blocking traffic, move them to the shoulder. Turn on hazard lights.
3. Call the police. In Texas, you are required to report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. An Abilene PD officer will create an official crash report.
4. Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate.
5. Document the scene. Take photos of all vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
6. Get witness information. If bystanders saw the accident, ask for their name and phone number.
7. Do not admit fault. Even a casual “I’m sorry” can be used against you. Let the investigation determine fault.

In the Hours After: Medical and Insurance

• Seek medical attention promptly. Even if you feel okay, some injuries — whiplash, concussions, internal bleeding — do not show symptoms for hours or days. A same-day medical visit documents your injuries from the start.
• Report to your insurance company. Notify your insurer of the accident regardless of fault. Most policies require prompt reporting.
• Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without first consulting a lawyer. Their adjuster’s job is to minimize your payout.
• Request a copy of the police report. You can obtain the crash report from the Abilene PD records division typically within a few days.

In the Days After: Protecting Your Claim

• Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to the accident.
• Write down everything you remember about the accident while it is fresh.
• Track missed work and any other expenses caused by the accident.
• Avoid posting about the accident on social media.
• Consult a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement offer.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?

Consider consulting a personal injury attorney if: you sustained any injuries, the other driver was at fault, the insurance company is offering a low settlement, or liability is disputed. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Texas has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, so do not wait too long to get legal advice.